Several items under old business highlighted by a special election relating to the Marina Shores Planned Unit Development (PUD) referendum are on the Aug. 18 meeting agenda for the Russellville City Council.

The council's agenda was discussed during Tuesday's meeting at Russellville City Hall.

The election would let voters decide whether or not to revoke the PUD ordinance passed April 21 by the Russellville City Council. The ordinance would rezone a part of Section 35, Township 8 North, which is off of Marina Road in west Russellville on Lake Dardenelle's shoreline, from residential (R-1) to PUD.

Controversial issues regarding the election were raised at the July 21 council meeting. On the first reading, the council approved funding a Sept. 14 special election.

Also at last month's meeting, Russellville resident Gerhard Langguth said the petition did not call for a special election, and the PUD referendum should be voted on during next year's general election.

He said the proposed ordinance was pursuant to Arkansas Code Annotated 7-9-111(h), which reads, "Municipal referendum petition measures shall be submitted to the electors at a regular general election unless the petition expressly calls for a special election."

City Treasurer Jennifer Humphrey told the council Tuesday a special election would cost approximately $7,500. Alderman Faye Abernathy said having a special election in October would be more convenient than September.

Vicious animals

Alderman Randal Crouch proposed an ordinance for the regulation of vicious animals at the previous two council meetings. Vicious dogs were the main animal talked about. While Crouch gathered much support for his efforts, a concern repeatedly raised was the vagueness of the ordinance.

Mayor Raye Turner said she needed direction on the ordinance. Crouch said the ordinance should be brought back at the September meeting.

The final item under old business is consideration of an ordinance establishing a zoning district and rezoning for the U.S. Corp of Engineers Flowage Easement.

Finance Committee issues on the agenda are:

n Consideration of a resolution to adopt steps one and two of a salary plan proposed by Crouch for all city employees;

n Consideraton of rescinding the authorization to utilize Rule No. 4 for the Arkansas Fire and Police Pension Review Board. The rule states "the local pension board, as well as the local city council, must certify to the PRB that they understand the risks involved in using a cash flow model for a small group, and that they assume responsibility for any future funding shortfall risk that might occur as a result of the utilization of the Alternate Cash Flow Projection Valuation."

The matter was tabled at last month's council meeting. David Clark, executive director of the Arkansas Fire and Police Pension Review Board (PRB), will address the council next week.

Turner said it may be better to vote on Rule No. 4 at a later meeting because John Turbeville, vice president of Merrill Lynch Global Private Client Group of Little Rock, recently switched from UBS Financial Services. The state PRB will have to approve Merrill Lynch at the Sept. 8 meeting.

Personnel Committee items on the agenda include an ordinance to amend the personnel policy and procedure handbook relating to overtime pay; and considering the hire a fireman.

The council will consider the following new business items on the agenda:

n A resolution encouraging all utilities in Russellville to coordinate with the city's five-year Capital Improvements Program;

n An ordinance rezoning property presently C-4 to C-2 located at 1919 West Main Street, submitted by Dustin Bonds;

n A resolution authorizing the sale of personal property by city auction.

The one item under special business is consideration of a resolution to support litter law enforcement.

Financial items to be approved are:

n $2,100 for depot/lease expenses out of the general fund. Humphrey said that would take the city through the remainder of the year.

n $9,500 for computer equipment/maintenance out of the general fund. Humphrey said it could be out of the capital asset fund.

n $2,150 for maintenance/supplies out of general fund for air conditioner repair;

n $2,783 out of general fund for pension uniformed to fund six percent matching to old pension plan for an employee for a 2003-04 deployment;